Academic Schools & Departments

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Undergraduate Schools & Departments

Explore endless possibilities with hands-on learning, expert faculty, and programs designed to fuel your passion and career goals.

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Art students learn how to unify technique and theory across an array of media and disciplines, with the option of pursuing a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts track. An art degree from Western Colorado University prepares you to pursue careers in graphic design, photography, animation, teaching and museum curation. Areas of study include Art Education Licensure, Art History, Graphic Design, Ceramics and more. This department also encompasses our Master of Gallery and Museum Management.

Art & Design Department

A student comments on class material during a political science class.

The Behavioral & Social Sciences Department is dedicated to understanding how the behavior of individuals impacts different populations’ health and well-being. A Behavioral & Social Sciences degree will prepare you for a meaningful career as a social worker, psychologist, teacher, policy maker, or criminal justice advocate. Areas of study include History, Politics and Government, Psychology, Criminal Justice, and more.

Behavioral & Social Sciences Department

Prospective students participating in Borick Scholars Weekend prepare to present their projects.

The business, accounting, and economics programs at Western immerse students in business management, organizational theory, technological innovation, and entrepreneurship. If you’re interested in starting your own business, becoming an accountant, getting into the solar industry, or learning about digital marketing, Western’s business curricula covers it all. Programs in the School of Business include Marketing, Finance, Energy Management, Resort Management, and more.

School of Business

Kai Vong sits in the KWSB studio during his jazz DJ show for the radio station.

The CALL Department interweaves communication theory and practice, providing you with a valuable liberal arts foundation for any career path. As a student in the CALL Department, you’ll analyze classic literary works, gain valuable communications skills, and assemble your own creative writing portfolio. Areas of study include Communication Arts, English, Philosophy, Public Relations, and more.

Communication, Arts, Language & Literature Department

Student teacher, Cristian Aguilar, helping a student with classwork.

We’ve been graduating exceptional teachers from the Education Department for over 100 years. Whether you aspire to be a policymaker, researcher, educational leader, or math teacher, the Education Department is designed to prepare graduates to make an impact at all levels of the educational system. Areas of study include Education, Elementary Education and Master of Arts in Education.

Education

Engineering student, Carolyn Goodwin, wears safety glasses and uses a machine in one of the shops in the Rady Building.

The Western-CU Boulder Engineering Partnership Programrepresents an innovative partnership between Western and the University of Colorado Boulder College of Engineering and Applied Science. Whether you’re studying Actuarial Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Software Engineering, you can take full advantage of the new, cutting-edge 75,000-square-foot building with versatile teaching and lab spaces, advanced instrumentation rooms, and more.

Mathematicians, computer scientists, and engineers enjoy creating solutions to challenging problems across all fields and sectors. They help protect national security, develop revolutionary robotics, and contribute to medical discoveries. Whatever your interests may be, a strong foundation in math and computer sciences will open doors to a variety of in-demand careers.

The Western-CU Boulder Engineering Partnership Program

A MEM student smiles as she weeds the Chipeta Garden.

Environment and sustainability studies take an interdisciplinary approach to questions about how humans interact with our environment and the policies that impact this relationship. In the School of Environment & Sustainability, you’ll have the unique opportunity to conduct original field research and discover solutions to make the world more sustainable. This department includes the intensive Master in Environmental Management (MEM) program.

Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability

The Math & Computer Science Department prepares students for roles as software engineers, data analysts, teachers, cybersecurity professionals, and a variety of other lucrative and fulfilling careers. With an emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, students who graduate from programs in the Math & Computer Science Department leave Western with an in-demand skillset and awareness of what it takes to succeed in some of the fastest growing professional industries.

Math & Computer Science Department

Housed in Quigley Hall, Western’s Music Department leads you on a journey to understand how melody, harmony, and rhythm combine. Take advantage of the opportunity to work closely with faculty in ensembles, classes, and private lessons to hone your performance skills and learn advanced music theory. On-campus groups collaborate and perform everything—from symphonies and chamber music—to jazz and roots music. Areas of study include Music, Music Business, and Music Technology.

Music Department

A student looks through a scope on a tripod at golden hour. Pine trees and parts of Taylor Canyon can be seen in the background.

The NES Department is dedicated to solving critical environmental challenges with breakthrough research. Take advantage of this opportunity to prepare yourself for a meaningful career as a geologist, hydrologist, botanist, or ecologist. Areas of study in the NES Department include Environmental Biology, Ecology, Pre-Medicine, Cell and Molecular Biology, and more.

Natural & Environmental Sciences Department

Student walks on an inclined treadmill simulating a trek to Mt. Everest base camp for data

The Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science (RESS) Department is dedicated to researching how to optimize human physical achievement in our renowned High-Altitude Performance Lab (HAP) and on the slopes. If you’re interested in becoming a physical therapist, certified trainer, outdoor educator, or coach, seize the opportunity to get your degree at one of the highest elevation college campuses in the world. Areas of study include Clinical Exercise Science, Sport Psychology, Outdoor Environmental Education, Outdoor Leadership, and more. This department also encompasses our Master of Science in Exercise & Sport Science: Applied Exercise Science and Performance.

Recreation, Exercise & Sport Science Department

Accelerated Degree Programs

Earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years. Our Accelerated Degree programs are designed to jump start your career, while saving you time and money.

During a book signing, a grad student displays the work she helped publish.

English Pathway Environment & Sustainability Pathway

MSE student Phoebe Roberts works on a plant survey at one of the sights for her graduate project.

Environment & Sustainability Pathway Biology Pathway

Art Pathway Economics Pathway Elementary Education Pathway English Pathway History Pathway Music Pathway Politics & Government Pathway Spanish Pathway Biology Pathway Chemistry Pathway Exercise & Sport Science Pathway Geology Pathway Mathematics Pathway Theatre Pathway